A part of our assignment is to analyze our fears. When someone travels, especially to somewhere he/she has never been before, it is natural to have fears and concerns.
1. One concern of mine is that I will get sick. I’ve heard that street food, like some found in Asia, sometimes contains meat that has been sitting out all day long. Then, when they cook it, it is not adequately cook. This exposes the consumer to possible bacteria and tape worms. Online recommendations say to eat fully cooked food, eat foods with natural seals that would keep out bacteria (like oranges), and be observant of the stand/location from which you are buying the food (some locations have better hygienic practices than others).
2. Another concern of mine is that I will accidently get separated from the group in a large crowd and I can’t find them. Our class is a small group, so I believe this won’t be an issue. One person missing will be noticeable right away.
3. Students are sometimes free to discover places on our own. I’m afraid that I may accidently venture into “the wrong part of town” or come across a person who may mug or hurt me. Being a tourist and speaking/knowing just a little Vietnamese, I wouldn’t be fully aware of my surroundings and situations at all times.
Those are basically my major fears/concerns. With great observation, common sense, and advice from Dr. Pham, I think many of these problems can be avoided.
Kristina Lor says
Your first one is also one of the concerns that pop into my head immediately when thinking about my worries in going overseas. As for the third one I hope you wouldn’t mind going in pairs, or together as a group since there’s only three of us students! I’d love to explore as well but worry about not being able to communicate in sketchy situations.
Crystal Blagg says
I think exploring locations in our free time in groups will be safer too and a lot of fun. Not being able to communicate fully will be hard, especially if something like you mentioned happens.